The R&A has announced that the official prize money for the 2026 AIG Women's Open will rise once again, marking the sixth straight year of increases. Elite female golfers will converge on the historic links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in July, competing for a share of a $10 million (approximately £7.43 million) purse. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, also disclosed the venue schedule for the next two editions of the championship. The 2028 tournament will move to the venerable Old Course at Sunningdale, while the 2027 edition is slated for Royal St George's.
"We know Sunningdale will provide an outstanding venue in two years' time," Darbon said, noting that this will be the fifth occasion the Open is held there and the first since 2008. In addition to the headline‑grabbing $10 million fund, the R&A has injected an extra $250,000 (about £185,651) into this year’s purse. The boost follows a highly successful 2025 AIG Women's Open, where Japan’s Miyu Yamashita secured her inaugural major title by edging Charley Hull and Minami Katsu by two strokes. 2026 also marks a milestone year: the 50th anniversary of the tournament, which began in 1967 when Jenny Lee Smith lifted the first champion’s trophy.
At that time the prize fund was a modest $673.31 (roughly £500). Over the past five decades the event has grown into one of the premier women’s majors, both in terms of prestige and financial reward. Broadcast coverage will expand dramatically for the 2026 edition. Sky Sports has committed to delivering roughly 20 percent more live airtime than in 2025, giving fans a richer viewing experience throughout the five‑day competition.
Early‑day windows will showcase the opening rounds, with early starters highlighted in the morning slots. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., marquee groups will be featured, and full‑scale coverage will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
each day, spanning July 29 through August 2. "Our broadcast coverage is fundamental to that ambition and with a 20 percent increase in live hours compared to 2025, we are setting a new benchmark for women’s golf," Darbon explained. He added that the AIG Women’s Open now offers more linear television hours in both the United Kingdom and the United States than any other women’s golf championship, providing unprecedented access to the sport’s top talent.
"This is another important step forward as we continue to invest in the Championship and grow its global audience," he said. The expanded coverage is expected to attract new viewers and deepen engagement among existing fans. By allocating more airtime to early rounds, the tournament hopes to highlight the drama of the opening days, when leaderboard positions can shift dramatically.
The increased exposure also benefits sponsors, who gain greater visibility for their brands during high‑profile broadcast slots. Beyond the prize money and TV schedule, the R&A is also focusing on ancillary experiences for spectators at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Plans include enhanced hospitality zones, interactive fan zones, and a series of on‑course activities designed to celebrate the tournament’s golden jubilee. These initiatives aim to make the event a festival of golf, appealing to both die‑hard followers and newcomers alike. The field for 2026 promises to be exceptionally strong. In addition to defending champion Miyu Yamashita, the roster features seasoned veterans such as Charley Hull, who recently downplayed a rivalry with world No.
1 Nelly Korda, and rising stars like Lottie Woad and Jeongeun “Jeeno” Thitikul, who already posted an early lead at the Royal Lytham venue. The mix of experience and youth ensures a compelling narrative throughout the competition. For those unable to attend in person, Sky Sports will broadcast all four rounds live. Viewers can subscribe to Sky Sports directly or stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app without a long‑term contract, making it easier than ever to follow the action from home or on the go.
In summary, the 2026 AIG Women’s Open represents a landmark moment for women’s golf: a $10 million prize fund, a historic venue, expanded television coverage, and a celebratory 50‑year anniversary. The R&A’s commitment to growing the championship’s profile, both financially and in terms of media exposure, underscores its ambition to elevate the sport to new heights.
Golf enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to a week of high‑stakes competition, historic moments, and a showcase of the very best talent the women’s game has to offer.